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Hi Ron,
I applaud this advance and it is good news as a way forward.
One other problem (so far as those living in rural areas is concerned) that also has to be addressed is the fact that the range of electric vehicles is far more limited in highway driving and high-speed cruising, than it is in "city-cycle". Because of the lack of gearing in electric vehicles, they are at their most inefficient when run at high speed almost constantly with few or no brake applications.
The recoup of energy via regenerative braking works well in urban or suburban environments but has virtually no benefit in sustained high-speed cruising and the claimed range decreases significantly. I know my "most used" journey is from my home to Cowra -- 36km (25 minutes), that involves just six brake applications in total and an average speed of 100kmph. Almost no "juice" is saved (or recouped) from regenerative braking there and the range is decreased somewhat.
One reason why electric vehicles work far better in suburban and urban environments than rural areas or highway driving.
Best,
L.
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